Melbourne, Oct 15: Zimbabwe fast bowler Douglas Hondo is expected to resume full training today in a bid to prove his fitness before the second Test against Australia begins on Friday, team physiotherapist Bradley Robinson said. Hondo, 24, has bowled only two overs on the tour because of a thigh muscle injury and has endured daily physiotherapy and acupuncture treatment.
The tourists were thrashed by an innings and 175 runs in the first Test which ended in Perth on Monday after opener Matthew Hayden smashed a world record 380 in Australia's first innings of 735 for six declared. ''Douglas's thigh has taken a long time to heal but he is now clear to bowl at full pace,'' Robinson said in a statement today.
Hondo, who has taken four wickets at 57.50 in three tests, was injured in Zimbabwe's warm-up match against Perth grade side Rockingham-Mandurah. ''We will obviously assess any reaction to bowling in the nets over the next 48 hours, which will determine if he will be available for selection on Friday,'' Robinson said.
The African side will train at Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday and Thursday ahead of the second Test. Bureau Report